What went wrong for Pierre Wolnik? Wingsuit world champion dies at 37 in Mont Blanc parachute accident

Pierre Wolnik, a former world champion in wingsuit flying, has died after his parachute did not open during a jump near Mont Blanc. He was 37. The accident happened on Monday after he leapt from a helicopter above the French Alps.

According to local French media reports, Wolnik completed several seconds of controlled flight and then reached the point where he was expected to open his parachute. But the parachute did not deploy. He fell at high speed and crashed to the ground. Emergency teams rushed to the area, but they could not save him. His body was later recovered and airlifted from the mountain zone. French authorities have started an investigation to understand what went wrong during the jump.

Pierre Wolnik was one of the most respected names in French skydiving. He won world titles in wingsuit flying in 2022 and 2024 and was widely seen as a strong contender to defend his crown again this year.

French Parachuting Federation president Yves Marie Guillot pays tribute to Pierre Wolnik after fatal Mont Blanc jump

As news of Pierre Wolnik’s death spread, tributes began to pour in from across the skydiving world. Yves Marie Guillot, president of the French Parachuting Federation, shared an emotional message on Facebook. He wrote, “The entire sport parachuting community mourns the loss of a talented young man with such a warm smile.”

He added, “Our condolences go first and foremost to his family and loved ones, but also to his teammates and the entire French team.”Those words reflected what many in the sport were feeling. Wolnik was not only known for winning medals, but also for encouraging young jumpers and sharing his journey online. On Instagram, where he had more than 5,600 followers, he often posted videos of his training sessions, mid-air dives, and wind tunnel practice.

His last post is now filled with messages from fans and fellow athletes. One supporter wrote, “Rest in peace champion.

”For many, his sudden death feels hard to accept. He was active, experienced, and preparing for more competitions. Now, officials are examining the equipment and the full sequence of the jump to find answers. The skydiving community waits quietly as investigators work through the details.